Sandown Lakeside hosts an eight-race program on Wednesday, with conditions likely to play an important role throughout the meeting. The track was posted as a Heavy 8 on Tuesday, although fine and cold weather in the lead-up should give it the opportunity to improve slightly by race day, while still retaining some give.
The rail is out 3m, and that may bring on-pace runners into play if the inside section holds up early. With the surface expected to remain rain-affected, proven wet-track performance and race fitness look significant factors across the card.
After placing in each of his four starts, BLUE SHIELD (2) looks close to registering his first win.
The Price & Kent Jnr-trained gelding was sent forward over this distance at Cranbourne last start and maintained a strong gallop, only being caught late when finishing 3.75 lengths second and clearly beating the remainder.
His recent profile is appealing for this set-up, with his past three starts all coming on rain-affected ground.
With race fitness on his side and Craig Williams taking the ride, he should get the opportunity to control the tempo.
| 2. Blue Shield (8) J: Craig Williams 59.5kg 3222 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
A drop in grade looks suitable for HARSH (2), who worked home well over 2500m at Morphettville last start when finishing just under a length from Wuddzz.
The form out of that race has some substance, with Wuddzz heavily backed in the Banjo Paterson at his next start before finishing fourth.
Two starts ago, the Richard & Chantelle Jolly-trained gelding produced a dominant performance over 2400m on a heavy Morphettville deck, winning by 4.25 lengths.
While the outside draw is not ideal, he did begin from a wide barrier in that heavy-track win and now gets Craig Williams aboard.
| 2. Harsh (8) J: Craig Williams 57kg 23212 T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly |
Confidence levels are limited in this race, but BLUESTONE (2) appears to have the most suitable profile.
The Mick Kent-trained gelding has not won for more than a year, though he has been holding his form in stronger company and his latest win came in this grade.
He has also performed well when fresh and has previously won first-up over this distance at Mornington.
Luke Cartwright’s 1.5kg claim is useful, and his familiarity with the horse should allow him to position Blueston prominently.
| 2. Bluestone (7) J: Luke Cartwright 61kg 2628x T: Michael Kent |
There were excuses for BONS TO RICHES (3) last start in the putrid conditions on the Hillside track, where he led before weakening over the final furlong and finishing 4.75 lengths fifth.
The Alex Rae-trained gelding now drops in class and should be improved from a fitness perspective.
His third-up statistics are strong, with two wins from three attempts, including a success on a Soft 7 at Cranbourne.
Jackson Radley takes 2kg off and has already won on the horse, which adds further appeal.
From barrier one, Bons To Riches should be able to make use of his early speed and give a sight in front.
| 3. Bons To Riches (1) J: Jackson Radley 60.5kg 26×55 T: Alexander Rae |
PINOT FOR MIKE (13) is trending the right way and looks capable of running well at an each-way price.
The Team Hayes-trained filly was forced to settle a clear last from the outside barrier over 1300m at Bendigo last start, but her closing section was excellent as she produced the fastest final 200m of the day to finish a length third.
That effort followed a close third at Swan Hill, where she again found the line powerfully.
The rise in distance appears suitable, and after being ridden back from wide gates in recent starts, the better draw gives Jackson Radley the option to settle closer.
| 13. Pinot For Mike (6) J: Jackson Radley 57kg 1×533 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
QUEEN PETA (5) could not have been more impressive when winning on debut at Cranbourne.
The Grahame Begg-trained filly sat outside Blue Shield before letting down powerfully to win the 1200m contest by 3.75 lengths.
She’ll be better for the experience and we’ll get a good guide earlier in the day with Blue Shield starting as a short-priced favourite in the opener.
This race shapes similar to her debut with her mapping to sit outside the lead.
| 5. Queen Peta (4) J: Jordan Childs 60kg 1 T: Grahame Begg |
The unbeaten TENNESSEE BOUND (1) resumed in strong fashion last start and remains a progressive mare.
The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper settled handy over 1000m at Caulfield Heath before taking control in the straight and winning by 1.75 lengths while eased down.
She should take benefit from that first-up run, and the rise to 1200m looks suitable based on last preparation, when she improved second-up and won by 4.75 lengths at Cranbourne.
With 3kg claimer Jabez Johnstone aboard, she maps to control the race.
| 1. Tennessee Bound (3) J: Jabez Johnstone 62kg 111×1 T: Ciaron Maher |
There looks to be further upside with MAHERSHALA (17), who remains lightly raced compared with many of his rivals.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding debuted last preparation in a heat of the Ladbrokes Future Stars Series at Pakenham, where he finished two lengths third.
After being spelled, he returned over 1000m at Seymour and produced the fastest final 400m of the day to win impressively by 3.25 lengths.
His recent jump out, where he cruised around in front, should have him ready to take another step forward.
From a decent draw, Craig Williams should be able to give Mahershala every chance.
| 17. Mahershala (5) J: Craig Williams 58.5kg 3×1 T: Ciaron Maher |